Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown passed away at the age of 96 on June 3, 2019

News Release

Navajo Nation - Office of the President and Vice President

On Thursday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez joined Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald, veterans, families, loved ones, and Tselani/Cottonwood community members at the funeral service for Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown, which was held at the Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Ft. Defiance, Arizona.

Pictured: The U.S. Marine Corps presents the United States flag to the family of Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown at Navajo Nation Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fort Defiance, Arizona, on June 6, 2019.(Photo: Navajo Nation - Office of the President and Vice President)

Code Talker William Tully Brown was born on October 30, 1922, in Black Mountain, Arizona, located approximately five-miles north of Tselani/Cottonwood Chapter. Brown was Tó’aheedlííníí (The Water Flow Together Clan) and born for Tł’ááahchí’i (The Red Bottom People Clan).

In 1944, Brown enlisted with the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Honorable Service Label Button.

“The Navajo Nation is saddened for the loss of another brave and selfless Diné warrior. The Nation is grateful for Code Talker Brown’s sacrifices and those of his family and community, to defend the freedom and liberty of our Nation and country,” said President Nez.

Pictured: Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown.(Photo: Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President)

On Wednesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer signed a proclamation ordering all flags on the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff on June 6 in honor and remembrance of Navajo Code Talker William Tully Brown.

“The Navajo Nation mourns for the loss of our warriors, who utilized our sacred Navajo language to protect the Nation and country during World War II,” said Vice President Lizer.

A reception followed the service at Church of Latter-day Saints Chapel in St. Michaels, Arizona, where President Nez presented the proclamation and a Navajo Nation flag to the family.